A Brief History of Presteigne
Presteigne is a small town in Powys, Wales on the England – Wales border. An early 11th century motte and bailey castle once stood to the west of the current town center know as Warden Castle. The castle was destroyed by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd in 1262 and never rebuilt. The town appears to have grown around the church of St Andrew, first built in the 9th century . By the end of the 13th century the town had been awarded a grant for a weekly market and annual fair.

The prosperity of the town was struck by the Black Death and the later Owain Glyndŵr rebellion further damaged the town’s growth and by the end of the 15th century it was a struggling village. Again in 1636 Presteigne’s markets were stopped in an attempt to stem the spread of disease.
In 1681, the town was ravaged by fire, which destroyed a number of the town’s buildings. From the Acts of Union, Presteigne (jointly with New Radnor) became the county town of Radnorshire and its administrative and judicial centre, housing the county gaol and the Shire Hall.
With its rich history and charming buildings, Presteigne offers a delightful blend of heritage and modern attractions. Whether you’re a history buff or a walking enthusiast, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Judge’s Lodgings, Presteigne
In 1542, Presteigne became the legal seat of Radnorshire. By the 1800’s there was a Shire Hall for the trials and hearings, a lodging house for the Judges, and a jail. Both the old Shire Hall and the jail were in a very poor state of repair. The prison was the first building to be replaced, with a new building on the edge of the town. A new Shire Hall, Court of Justice and accommodation for the Judges was ordered in 1825, to be built on the site of the old gaol in Broad Street, Presteigne.

The Judge’s Lodgings was built as a replacement for the Old Shire Hall and consisted of a central hall with a wing on each side. The building provided a court room, judge’s lodgings, and administrative offices. The court room was first used on 24th August 1829 and closed for assizes in 1970.

Today you can visit the Judge’s Lodgings Museum which tells the fascinating history of the building. There is also a pop-up tearoom during holidays which is well worth a visit. Opening times vary throughout the year (closed in Winter – check ahead) and admission charges apply. Parking is available nearby.
St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne
Originally a Saxon church rebuilt in the Norman period and again in the 14th century with restoration in the 15th century and the 19th century. Although the church has a mixture of features that span the centuries, it’s mostly represented by its 14th century architecture. The North Aisle is the oldest part of the church, with the remains of Saxon stonework visible on the outside wall and the wall nearest the chancel.

The tapestry dates to around 1510 and depicts Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. It was presented to the church and used as an altarpiece in 1737. The churchwarden table below the tapestry dates from 1666.

The Nave contains two round section pillars which are Norman and dated to the 12th century. The roof and octagonal pillars date from the 14th century rebuild. There are fragments of Medieval wall paintings on the North Arcade and are thought to be the seven deadly sins.
The Chancel was built in the 15th century enlarging the earlier 14th century structure. The screen dates from 1891, when the church was restored. The south aisle was originally constructed in the 15th century replacing a series of chapels from an earlier phase.

The plain stone font in the west end is Medieval and dates to the 14th century.
The tower was once freestanding. The tower base dates to 12th century, but the rest of the structure is dated to the 13th/14th century.
Radnorshire Arms, Presteigne
The Radnorshire Arms is a beautiful Grade II* listed Jacobean building in the town of Presteigne. The building has the date 1616 over its door although it is believed the building was built earlier.

The building became an inn in 1792 with a big renovation taking place in 1875. During the work in 1875 a secret chamber was discovered which turned out to be a Priest Hole.
The inn still offers bed and breakfast as well as serving food and drink throughout the day.
The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne
Built in 1863, the Assembly Rooms initially served as the “Town Hall” and hosted petty sessions. Designed by Thomas Nicholson in an Italianate style, it was officially opened on 1 November 1865. The building later became the urban district council’s offices in 1903 and has since housed various functions, including a cinema and a furniture shop. Today, it is home to a public library and an arts center.

Walks
For an easy, laid-back walk, try the Town Trail Walk. For more challenging options, explore Offa’s Dyke Path, Glyndwr’s Way, and Mortimer Walking Trail, all national trails easily accessible from Presteigne. You can choose the length and distance that suits you best.
If you enjoyed reading this article you might enjoy reading ‘The Heritage Hiker’s Guide to Evesham’ or ‘The Heritage Hiker’s Guide to Tewkesbury’ or ‘The Heritage Hiker’s Guide to Montgomery’
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